Do you or your child play contact sports? Are you looking for a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums? Dr. Chavala Harris provides custom sports mouthguards as a general dental solution for her patients in her Durham, NC dental office.
Mouthguards are recommended when playing contact sports like hockey, lacrosse, football, and soccer. Sports mouthguards custom-tailored to the smile are better at protecting the teeth from damage or loss.
Professional Sports Mouthguards at Our Dentist Office
Our custom sports mouthguards:
- Fit in the mouth securely
- Prevent tooth injury or loss
- Minimize the risk of jaw injury or trauma
- Protect dental work from damage
- Reduce stress and impact on teeth
Store-bought sports mouthguards do not provide a custom fit. Because of this, they may fall out or make it difficult to speak on the field or court. Wearing a sports mouthguard that fits properly can also help reduce the risk of jaw and tooth injuries.
Custom professional mouthguards help prevent the need for cosmetic or restorative treatments down the road.
Receive a Custom Sports Mouthguard
Patients can receive their custom sports mouthguard in just a few visits to our Durham, North Carolina office. Dr. Harris or a member of her team will take dental impressions, which a local lab uses to fabricate the mouthguard. Once complete, we will check the size and fit of the mouthguard to ensure that it feels comfortable.
Sports mouthguards should be cleaned with soap and water to keep them fresh. We do not recommend using hot water as this can warp the plastic. Store your mouthguard in its case after washing it so it may dry. If there are any changes in the fit of your mouthguard, visit our office so we can create a new one for you. Patients typically need a new mouthguard every season.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
How long do custom-made mouthguards last?
Your custom mouthguard has the potential to last between three and five years with good oral care and maintenance. As a rule of thumb, you should replace your mouthguard once a year due to general wear and tear from use.
Can you choke on a night guard?
In general, a night guard is too big to pose a genuine choking risk. Choking is highly unlikely because even if the night guard falls out of the mouth while sleeping, it is too big to cause any choking.
How do I know if my night guard fits properly?
Your dental guard should easily snap into place and fit snugly. You shouldn’t have to rely on the teeth on your other jaw to keep it in place while you sleep.
Can my mouthguard damage my teeth?
If worn correctly, a mouthguard can prevent injury to the gums. However, it can cause your gums harm if you use a mouthguard that is dirty, damaged, or doesn’t fit properly.
Is a top or bottom night guard better to prevent grinding?
If you grind your teeth at night, a mouth guard is typically fit for your bottom set of teeth. A dentist can create a custom night guard for your upper teeth if you are unable to wear one on your lower teeth.
Can I soak my night guard in mouthwash?
If you rinse your mouthguard with mouthwash, it may harm it. You may clean your mouthguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, but you should avoid using mouthwash at all times.
Call Our Dental Office Today
Do you need a new sports mouthguard? Schedule a dental consultation with our dental team online or call our office at 919-899-4467. Let our team know if you have any questions or concerns and they will be glad to help you.